Florianópolis guide · Islands
Islands of Floripa: which ones you can visit and which are protected.
Photo: Campeche Lofts
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Florianópolis is an island surrounded by other islands. Some welcome visitors, like Campeche and Anhatomirim. Others are fully protected reserves where landing is not allowed. This guide tells them apart, written by people who host facing Campeche Island.
The islands around the island.
Around Santa Catarina Island there are small islands, in open sea and in the bays. Few have organized visits.
- To visit: Campeche Island (south) and Anhatomirim Island, with Santa Cruz Fortress (North Bay).
- With a historic fortress: Ratones Grande Island, with Santo Antônio Fortress.
- Protected, no landing: the Arvoredo archipelago (Marine Biological Reserve) and Moleques do Sul (Serra do Tabuleiro State Park).
- Only on the map: Aranhas, Xavier, Francês, Três Irmãs and Ratones Pequena appear on tourist maps, but we found no reliable source about visits. So we do not describe them.
The islands that receive visitors.
Two islands have regular trips. Both have rules and can only be reached by boat.
Campeche Island
It sits in front of Campeche Beach and was listed by Iphan (the national heritage institute) in 2000 as an archaeological and scenic site, for its stone-tool workshops and rock carvings. In the 2025/2026 season access was limited to 800 people per day, with an individual authorization on the city website and a R$ 15 fee. Boats left from Campeche Beach, Armação and Barra da Lagoa. Trails are done with an accredited guide.
Anhatomirim Island
It is in the North Bay and holds Santa Cruz Fortress, run by UFSC. The visit is by boat, and UFSC says it is not responsible for the crossing, which is run by water-transport companies. Tickets are paid online. On hours, UFSC lists opening Tuesday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Everything about Campeche Island, with sources, in the article (in Portuguese) Ilha do Campeche: como visitar.
The city reviews the daily limit, fee, boarding points and hours for Campeche every season. Confirm on the official website before planning.
Protected islands: to see from afar.
Some islands exist to protect species and habitats. There, the best visit is to respect the rule.
Arvoredo archipelago
The Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve was created in 1990 and includes the islands of Arvoredo, Galé, Deserta and Calhau de São Pedro. It is a fully protected area run by ICMBio. According to the sources, landing is prohibited except in emergencies, and entering or anchoring in the area requires authorization.
Moleques do Sul
An archipelago south of Santa Catarina Island, in the intangible zone of Serra do Tabuleiro State Park. It is the only place on Earth where the critically endangered Moleques do Sul cavy lives. IMA says landing without prior authorization is prohibited and that the island is monitored by the Navy, the Environmental Police and IMA.
Fortress islands.
In the North Bay, two islands keep 18th-century forts that guarded the entrance to the island.
Anhatomirim: Santa Cruz Fortress
It was the main defense of the Barra Norte in the 18th century. Today it is a UFSC visitor site, with free entry on the last Sunday of each month, according to the university website. Animals are not allowed, except guide dogs or emotional-support dogs with paperwork.
Ratones Grande: Santo Antônio Fortress
Construction began in 1740 and it was part of the triangular defense system of the Barra Norte. It has been listed by Iphan since 1938. UFSC opened it to the public in 1992, and there is a 1,075 m ecological trail on the island. UFSC also runs this fortress, and the crossing is made by boat companies.
For more forts and historic churches, see the churches and forts guide.
Diving and marine life.
The sea around the islands draws divers and wildlife fans. Only confirmed facts go here.
- Snorkeling at Campeche: there are underwater trail routes on the island, according to the blog article, depending on the day and operator.
- Arvoredo: recreational diving inside the reserve has been closed since 2000. Dive operators work south of Arvoredo Island, outside the reserve limits. Confirm with the operator and ICMBio.
- Dolphins: the Guiana dolphin is frequent in the Anhatomirim Environmental Protection Area, per ICMBio, with more sightings in summer. Seeing them is possible, never guaranteed.
How to choose and plan.
If you have only one day, the choice depends on weather, where you are staying and what you want to see.
| Island | Visits | Where from |
|---|---|---|
| Campeche | Yes, with individual authorization | Campeche Beach, Armação and Barra da Lagoa (2025/2026 season) |
| Anhatomirim | Yes, by boat; fortress ticket | North Bay boat companies; confirm the departure point |
| Ratones Grande | Yes, by boat; fortress and trail | North Bay boat companies |
| Arvoredo | No; fully protected reserve | Diving only outside the reserve, with an operator |
| Moleques do Sul | No; intangible zone | No landing |
- Staying in Campeche: the island in front is the simplest trip, boarding on foot from the beach.
- Rough-sea day: the trip can be canceled. Leave some slack in your plans.
- Operators: confirm price, return time and meeting point with whoever runs the crossing. We do not recommend companies or prices.
See also.
The islands pair well with the history and beaches nearby.
- Campeche guide: the beach, the island, trails and neighborhood life.
- Churches and forts guide: the island's historic heritage.
- Island history guide: from ancient peoples to the Azoreans.
- South of the Island guide: Armação, Pântano do Sul and Naufragados.
Frequently asked questions
Can I land on Arvoredo Island?
No. It is a fully protected marine biological reserve, and sources say landing is prohibited except in emergencies. Diving happens south of the island, outside the reserve. Confirm with ICMBio.
Can I visit Moleques do Sul?
No. It is an intangible zone of Serra do Tabuleiro State Park and IMA says landing without prior authorization is prohibited. The species living there exists only on that island.
How do I visit Campeche Island?
With an individual authorization on the city website and a boat from one of the departure points. In the 2025/2026 season the limit was 800 people per day. See the current rules on the official website.
Is Anhatomirim Fortress free?
UFSC lists free entry on the last Sunday of each month. On other days tickets are paid online, and the boat crossing is charged separately.
Can I see dolphins?
The Guiana dolphin is frequent in the Anhatomirim protected area, per ICMBio, especially in summer. Seeing them depends on luck and the day.
Sources
- Cover photo: Campeche Lofts
- ICMBio — Rebio Marinha do Arvoredo · accessed October 12, 2026
- Chamber of Deputies — Arvoredo reserve and bill PL 4198/12 · accessed October 12, 2026
- Melhores Destinos — Arvoredo archipelago · accessed October 12, 2026
- IMA/SC — Moleques do Sul cavy leaflet · accessed October 12, 2026
- UFSC — Fortresses of Santa Catarina Island · accessed October 12, 2026
- UFSC — Anhatomirim Fortress guide · accessed October 12, 2026
- ICMBio/UFSC — Dolphins in the Anhatomirim protected area · accessed October 12, 2026
- Campeche Lofts blog — Ilha do Campeche: como visitar (Portuguese) · reviewed October 4, 2026
Access rules and trips change by season. Confirm with the official bodies (city hall, ICMBio, IMA, UFSC) before you go.
Planning to see the islands?
Stay in Campeche, facing the island, and message us.
Tell us your dates and how many of you, and we will reply on WhatsApp.